Life
My family is a mixed bag when it comes to co-sleeping. In the beginning, I thought it best for everyone to have there own room for sleeping. Then the realities of attending to kids in the wee hours kicked in, and my ideas shifted a bit. Whenever you're faced with a big decision, it's valuable to consider both sides of the argument to help you make an informed decision. So before you decided that bed sharing is the life for you, take a minute to consider the reasons you may not want to co-sleep, because it isn't a perfect fit for every family.
I approach our family's sleeping arrangements on a day-to-day basis. Some nights when they kids are sick or scared, I let them bunk-up in my bed or in a cot at the foot of my bed. Other nights, even if they have solid reasons for wanting to be near me all night, I still make them sleep in their room. It works for us. Our house is a case of sometimes co-sleeping, other times not. Because the truth is, our perfect sleep solution is staying flexible.
Night time routines work differently for every household, so as you're considering what may work for your family, be sure to think over these seven reasons you may not want to co-sleep so you don't feel pressured to do something that doesn't feel right for your family.
1It Can Be Risky
If bed sharing is not done with the upmost caution and care, the results can be devastating. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, co-sleeping is the greatest risk factor in infant related deaths. This is typically when the bed is not safe due to the objects in the bed such as sheets, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals.
2It Prevents You From Getting It On
I don't know about you, but it's close to impossible for me to get in the mood for sex when a baby is just a few feet away. It doesn't matter if they're sleeping or not — it's an instant mood killer for me. If you want to have an active, fun, and spontaneous sex life with your partner, you may want to think about how co-sleeping will effect that.
3It Keeps You From Sleeping Well
If you're a light sleeper, having an extra noise-maker in the room could make you sleep worse. Some parents find it harder to sleep with a baby near by, according to Kid's Health website. All those coos, coughs, little cries, and night time sounds may cause you to wake more frequently and feel super tired the next day.
4It Could Lead to Arguments
When it comes to sleeping, it's always best when everyone is on the same page. As the website Babble pointed out, both parents should agree on co-sleeping with the baby in order for the venture to be successful.
5It's Dangerous If You've Been Drinking
If you're thinking you may be a "sometimes co-sleeper," like me, make sure to follow this one important rule. If you have been drinking, it's never a good idea to bed share with your baby, according to the website for Dr. Sears.
6It Makes You Nervous
If there is one thing I have learned as a mama, it's this: if it feels wrong to you, it is wrong for you. Trust you gut on co-sleeping. If the idea makes you too nervous, don't force it. Explore other options that you feel more comfortable with and don't try to push something that doesn't feel right.
7It's Not Ideal For A Heavy Sleeper
If you can sleep through a fire alarm, co-sleeping is not a safe option for you. As the Baby Sleep Site pointed out, rolling on top of your baby is a huge risk for bed sharing, and if you're a heavy sleeper, you're less likely to be roused should something like this happen.
